Article Number : 1927 |
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| Date | 4/24/2007 10:29:37 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=1927 |
| Abstract | By Matthew Spieler Phoenix—Not many groups have the ability to successfully hold a trade show featuring five dozen exhibitors, celebrate a major milestone such as a 15th anniversary, bid farewell to its retiring president and CEO of nine years while welcoming with open arms the new officer... |
| Article | By Matthew Spieler Phoenix—Not many groups have the ability to successfully hold a trade show featuring five dozen exhibitors, celebrate a major milestone such as a 15th anniversary, bid farewell to its retiring president and CEO of nine years while welcoming with open arms the new officer. Then again, the StarNet Commercial Flooring Cooperative has never been just like any other group. “This is a very special time in the history of StarNet,” said Bob Sabosik of M.E. Sabosik Associates and chairman of the co-op, “a 15th birthday, the retirement of someone very special [Lori Dowling] to this organization and the start of a new day with Jeanne Matson coming on board as our new president and CEO.” He noted while the past year was challenging, such as finding a replacement for Dowling, it was nothing the group could not successfully deal with when compared to what it has gone through to get to this point. “We originally came together to share our knowledge and skills—to make an organization that is the best—and to monitor the industry for good and bad, and we were left to die on life support,” he explained. That happened just three years into StarNet’s existence when the group, which had ballooned in membership to 75 right from the start, suddenly saw many of its members bought up by mills and suppliers and vacate the organization to the point there was less than three dozen remaining when the dust settled. “Today we are a strong, vital organization,” Sabosik proudly told the membership, “with numerous initiatives such as training for every level of the business, national programs including maintenance and environmental stewardship, a code of ethics and the list goes on.” At the three-day meeting here, the group reported membership at 165 contractors in over 270 locations across the U.S. and Canada with total annual sales topping $2 billion. “Why do we work so hard for StarNet?” he added. “We do it for the betterment of our businesses, families and the industry. In the end, our businesses are better, and we are more profitable.” Paraphrasing a line from the movie, “Independence Day,” Sabosik said, “We have fought for our rights against the tyranny of those who tried to force us to sell a certain way. This is our Independence Day.” James McCallum, president of the Mohawk Group, was at the combined Mohawk/Lees booths and said Lees has been a StarNet supplier from the beginning. “We’re a quality manufacturer and we align ourselves with quality companies. StarNet has very high standards as both a group and the individual members, and these are the types with whom we want to be associated. I never thought the distribution system was broken, and these guys didn’t buy into the whole thing that they had to be with one manufacturer.” He noted the peace of mind the company gets from being associated with StarNet is a great benefit. “Truth is, StarNet makes us look better. They have experienced project managers and installers who won’t foul up. If there ever is a problem, they deal with it until all parties are happy. They understand about relationships and having customers for life. Put simply, they help keep the entire chain—from manufacturer to end user—happy.” Paul White of Paul G. White Tile Co. said the group’s 15th anniversary is a great occasion to mark where the organization is compared to where it was. “We’ve gone through such a metamorphosis to get where we are today. And the best part is the group is still growing. That’s why I love coming to these conventions—you get rejuvenated and go back home feeling good about the business and the line of work we’re in.” A StarNet member since 1994, White echoed what many members said is the greatest benefit of being part of the group—the shared experience of both the membership and vendors. “The knowledge we get is invaluable. When we’re dealing with a particular problem—whether on the job, with a client, whatever—we can put out an inquiry to the membership and I’m always amazed at the response. “Every member wants to help their fellow member,” he continued, “even if they are in the same market because we know helping someone in our area raises the bar, and that lifts the entire marketplace. The expertise of this group really pays off more than any rebates or dividends.” Even new members, such as David DeGol of DeGol Carpet in Duncansville, Pa., said his reason for joining was “the opportunity to meet with the top companies in the country and gain knowledge of the products we use. Plus, some of the national accounts may generate additional business for us. I’m really impressed with what’s here.” You say goodbye… While members and vendors reminisced on StarNet’s 15 years of existence, most of the three-day meeting was spent saying goodbye to Lori Dowling, the organization’s president and CEO since 1996. Throughout the event members and suppliers made it a point to publicly bid farewell to someone who was an important cog in StarNet’s growth the last nine years. Harold Chapman of Bonitz Flooring Group and StarNet’s chairman emeritus of the East, noted, “No words can describe what she means to me—she is a very special person who in my heart. She’s a true pro, a class act and a wonderful individual. She not only cares deeply, but she’s the kind of person who never met a stranger. And what she has meant to StarNet is simply profound. The thing I’m most proud of while I was chairman is we brought Lori on board.” When it comes to his tenure, Chapman said if an asterisk were ever to be placed next to his name, he wants it to be for being the chairman when she was hired. “It took 60 seconds after we interviewed her for us to decide she was the right person. She’s a wonderful, consummate citizen with tireless energy and vision, and she’s earned all the praise bestowed upon her.” Randy Rubenstein of Rubenstein’s and StarNet’s chairman emeritus of the West, chimed, “As an organization we’ve been very fortunate to have Lori these past nine years. We would never be where we are today—all the achievements—without her. She stands out in a crowd; she is intelligent, savvy and has the ability to generate results. “But,” he added, “her most remarkable quality is she is the most pleasant person with whom to deal—even in the most difficult situations. And that’s the frosting on the cake.” Even suppliers were quick to praise Dowling and her accomplishments at StarNet. “She’s a great influence and helped resurrect something that was near dead,” said Alex Jauregui, vice president of sales for Mannington Commercial. “She a true class act. How many people would give a one-year notice they are retiring and then work with her replacement to ensure a smooth transition?” StarNet member Richard Goodman of Associated/ACC International, who was visiting the Mannington booth, added, “I hate to see her go—she’s a great human being. She did a great job transitioning the organization to Jeanne and ensuring the momentum we have is not lost.” …And I say hello In addition to bidding farewell to Dowling, a great deal of the convention’s time and energy was spent welcoming in her replacement, Matson, who officially joined StarNet at the start of the year (FCNews, Dec. 25). She comes to the buying group with over 25 years of senior-level management experience, most recently at branding giant Proctor & Gamble (P&G), where she was general manager of its professional business division. She was responsible for a number of the company’s key consumer brands, most notable, Clairol hair products. In her first address to the membership, Matson noted how her experience with P&G and before that Bristol-Myers Squibb trained her well for this new task of leading StarNet to its next level. “Every day I dealt with entrepreneurs—people, not the corporation. They were individuals, businesspeople growing and bettering their businesses. And, like StarNet, all were independent and committed to their business and making their industry better.” Instead of setting an agenda, she praised the membership and the small staff StarNet employs. “The relationships you have with each other is special—it’s a very rare gift to have the feeling you can trust the people you work with and to be able to get advice from. I’m also very impressed with each staff member—they are dedicated to StarNet and to each individual member.” Matson said her initial goal was to meet every member and supplier. There was one member, she noted, who it was not necessary to meet, but to re-acquaint with as she had worked with Randy Weis of RD Weis Cos. 30 years ago in Cincinnati. Members were quick to praise Matson as both a person and a leader. “Class is the first word I’d use to describe her,” said Chapman. “She’s a lot like [Dowling]. She’s smart, and you can’t teach intelligence, and she’s extremely professional. Plus, she has a background that dealt with many of the things we deal with on a regular basis.” Sabosik called Matson “a top-notch executive with the ability to naturally lead. She had no hesitation stepping in. She has the attributes—branding experience and a history of success with entrepreneurial people—that will continue to enhance StarNet’s growth.” He added the organization not only continues to grow, it keeps evolving with expanded membership and benefits, for example, and “her experience and knowledge will help us complete those tasks in a professional manner.” Mannington’s Jauregui noted Matson made it a point to personally visit the company shortly after starting her new career and even had dinner with one of its customers. “Lori did a great job of mentoring her, and you can tell she will do a great job. She is very approachable and personable and truly wants to do a good job.” Even Dowling, whose modesty had her directing all the accolades away from her and onto the StarNet board and membership, was impressed with Matson. “She’s going to be terrific. She brings a great outside perspective—a fresh view—and will bring recommendations, changes and ideas that will help take this group to the next level. Her qualifications are tremendous. and she has so much experience. It’s a great opportunity for StarNet to take advantage of her expertise, especially in branding. “I’m forever grateful for the opportunity and challenges,” Dowling concluded. “It’s been a privilege to be with you,” she told the membership. “This is not a goodbye and I will still see and talk to you.” She told FCNews that even after her last official day, May 15, she plans on keeping an eye on StarNet. |